Recipients Celebrated at our 2026 Annual Reception

On June 23, we enjoyed celebrating our latest crop of recipients at our annual Scholarship Reception. Each recipient was recognized and presented with their scholarship check. Many of our named donors were present and able to meet their scholarship recipient and some even said a few words and handed out the checks. Because of the generosity of our town, Willington, we were able to award $39,500 in scholarships to 16 high school graduates! The night was not without some sad notes. We also mourned the passing of two board members while celebrating their contributions to the Scholarship Foundation: Bob Jellen, a founding member passed away in October (see below), and Paula King, who was instrumental in obtaining many major grants just recently passed away in June (see In Memoria below). We will miss them greatly. After the awards presentation, scholars, board members, and donors were able to get to know each other better while enjoying a Smorgasboard of treats prepared by the board members. Yum! I'm already looking forward to next year!

2026 Willington Scholarship Foundation Recipients: Front Row, left to right: Jordan McKinnon, Tulia Coutin, Brandon Campbell, Abdurahman Pelletier, Elizabeth Toomey, Veronica Pallo. Back Row: Kyle Sepe, Alex Cook, Ryan Sepe (2025 renewable), Timothy Han, William Shine, Sydney Pelletier, Eve Halle (2025 renewable), and Andrew Jean. Not pictured: Angelina Barberi, Leah Hughes, Ava Bray, Eliza Donaghy, and Haylee Bolduc. 

 

In Memorium: Paula King

On June 13th, the Willington Scholarship Foundation lost a dear friend and colleague. Paula King was an active member of our board for many years. She worked tirelessly on the fundraising and awards committee and was instrumental in obtaining many of our grants. Paula also chaired the nomination committee. Paula's other love in retirement was volunteering at the Willington Public Library. She will be sorely missed in Willington.

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2026 Spaghetti Dinner

On March 14, 2026, the Willington Scholarship Foundation with support from the Willington Fish and Game Club hosted a community Spaghetti Dinner and Raffle to help raise funds for the 2026 graduating class.The event was a total success raising $4,250.83 dollars for scholarships for our graduating seniors and renewable awards for students already in post-secondary programs. This was our third annual Spaghetti dinner and has become an event the whole community looks forward to.

 

Celebrating 2025 recipients

The Willington Scholarship Foundation Dollars for Scholars is getting ready for the 2026 Graduating class!  Below is a photo of last year's class at the June 2025 reception.

2025 Recipients from left to right - Back Row: Connor Criniti, Luke Jeffreys, Brendan Cook.  Middle Row: Jake Jeffreys, Juliana Bernard, Milena Vinogradova, Leilani Ingle, and Brook Sanville. Front Row: Gabriella Boltseridge, Alicia Obhiambo, Sophie Phan, and Bethany Barberi. Not pictured:  Hannah Adams, Kalen Bedan, Ainsley Bourbeau, Joseph Bray, Nicolas Gascon, and Ellarie Stevens.

In Memorium: Bob Jellen 

On Oct 9th, 2025, Bob Jellen, a founding member of the Willington Scholarship Foundation, passed away.  Bob was beloved by all and we were saddened to hear the news.  We will miss not only his famous deviled eggs at the annual receptions honoring the recipients but most importantly, his voice on behalf of Willington students. 

Bob demonstrating  printing at Old Sturbridge Village.

If you would like to donate to a scholarship in his name, click the Donate Now button above and indicate that you are donating in Bob's memory. 

And if you would like to help Willington residents who are less fortunate this winter, consider donating to the Willington Food Pantry or Family services: Here's a link to their FAQs: Willington Family Services